Odisha CM Felicitates Freedom Fighters

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday felicitated two noted freedom fighters of the State who have been invited to be a part of Indian President's 'At Home' event. The two freedom fighters who have been nominated from Odisha are Sahadev Behera of Nayagarh and Nilamani Samal of Jajpur.

Behera and Samal will be a part of the prestigious Presidential event in Delhi on August 9. The event is being celebrated to commemorate the Quit India movement's anniversary. Naveen honoured the two freedom fighters with a shawl and boquet of flowers.

96-year-old Behera's yeoman service to the nation have been highly recognised. In 1938, he raised a protest against local rulers who had joined hands with the Britishers. Behera went underground to evade arrest and remained in disguise for 14 months. Post independence, he has been associated with social service in Nayagarh district.

90-year-old Samal was born in Balipadia village of Jajpur district. In 1942, he joined the Quit India movement and attacked Badchana police station. He was a close associate of acclaimed freedom fighter Brundaban Tripathy. He was imprisoned by the Britishers for 3 years and 6 months at the Cuttack jail.